Fall Bible Study

• Lesson 4

Jesus and Caiaphas – Matthew 26:58-68

1 – How do “good” people lose their way – their sense of purpose – and what are the warning signs?

Who is to blame – the individual? family members? friends? society?

Is there a way in which we can help? How? How might prayer and Christian fellowship make a difference?

2 – Jesus, condemning a number of the scribes and Pharisees for other corrupt practices, told them, “You cleanse the outside of the cup and leave the inside filthy” (Matthew 23:23, 25), paraphrased).

What do you think Jesus meant by this?

How was Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, guilty of this practice? How are we?

3 – The author says, “Many people these days…mistakenly believe that being saved means playing it safe.

Nothing could be less biblical than that.”

Look through the Gospels to find examples of Jesus and the disciples choosing service over safety.

In what ways has God called you to serve and, in doing so, to ignore what would usually be considered “safe”?

4 – What are some ways in which we choose convenience over Christ? Read Matthew 7:13-14.

What does this passage tell us about the Christian way of life?

5 – Throughout the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus calls each of us to action – to follow his example and set ourselves to the work of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Scan Matthew 5-7 and name some of the requirements of Christian discipleship that Jesus has set out for us.

Using these as guidelines, what areas of your life do you feel called to improve upon right now?

Focus for the Week

The author uses the story of Caiaphas to show that as human beings we all face temptation, and that even “good people can slowly but surely lose their way.”

A troubled life doesn’t always involve a sudden, drastic turn for the worse; decay happens in small increments, a little at a time.

This week, think privately about specific ways you can recognize and overcome the temptations you face in your life.

Read God’s word and speak to God in prayer for guidance in making wise decisions, as you strive to let God’s word be “a lamp to your feet and a light to your path” (Psalm 119:25, adapted).